I know, I know......

Say hello to the newest Simmons family member, Piper.  Yes, in a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed.  She has barely had time to breath with all the love and attention she is given.  So far she has been good, but it has only been 3 days.  She is very cute, though, you have to admit.

I am sure there will be many, many pictures to follow in the near future.  Only leave nice comments.

Brains, beauty and volleyball talent

Taylor tried out for the high school volleyball team.  She made the team, and was required to get a physical.  She passed the physical easily, except we learned her vision was not so hot.  We had her eyes checked and found she needed glasses.  So here she is:

She has contacts also, which she can wear when she actually plays volleyball.  We think she looks fabulous!

subtle clue

Poor Hailey was not feeling well today.  How did I know?  This notice was posted on her bedroom door:

It says:  BAD head ache!  Quit!!! (I guess Morgan had been buggin' her)  Do NOT come-in!  Shhhhhhh!  I guess she forgot Morgan cannot read yet.

I gave her some Motrin and 5 minutes later went to check on her.  She was totally zonked.  That cloth was originally on her forehead, but I guess it slipped to her chin.

And she slept the rest of the night.  At least her nails were lovely.  We will see how her head feels in the morning.

Happy Birthday, Steve!

Sept. 1 was Steve's birthday.  We celebrated by going to one of his favorite spots, Duck Creek.  The kids had just blown out the candles on the cake.  He re-lit them several times to give everyone a turn.  I guess after 44 years it's no big deal to blow out your own birthday candles.

Hey, as long as he gets a big piece of cake to eat, he's happy.

We love you, Steve.  Your are a great husband, dad, and friend-- Happy Birthday.

p.s.  and thanks again to all the family and friends who wished him a happy day too!

they're back! (to school)

Again, teenagers not into posing for first day of school pictures.  This is the best I could do.

However, the kids 10 yrs and under are still very cooperative.  Hailey started 4th grade.  She got new shoes, if you didn't notice.

This is Morgan's last year of preschool.  She loves her teacher and friends and being old enough to go to "school".

She does not even need her mom to walk her to the door.

This means I have 2 hours, 3x/week all to myself.  What will I do?

Rattlesnake!

Yikes.  Look what Steve shot now:

He spotted this unlucky snake up by Diamond Valley

The skin is drying out on this board now.

I wonder where he thinks he is going to hang this?

FamVaCa2SoCal

We went to the Newport Beach area last weekend.  We had a wonderful time.  One morning we went to the:

They were giving out whistles at the front door---that is what is in her mouth.  She made friends with a diver:

Lots and lots of colorful fish,

a sea turtle,

and  a flying blue whale.

They have a bird exhibit also.  Chase felt right at home.

This reminded us....time to head to the beach!

This was actually at Laguna Beach, where we watched a school of dolphins swimming off the shore.

If you look closely, it says: M-O-R-G-A-N

Chase and Taylor were too cool to write their names in the sand and pose.  I had to settle for watching them boogie board.

Hailey even learned how and was really good!

We met a mermaid,

And a girl with two-toned legs,

At Balboa Beach they had a few toys to play on:

Hailey is at the top, Morgan in in the middle and Taylor is lower left:

We all had a wonderful time....

And may just have to go back someday!